Lesson Plans: China - Math

Preparation: Study the unit link for China for information that might be used here such as vocabulary and presentation materials.

Activity 1: Abacus Objectives:  Students will expand counting skills and explore another method for performing basic functions. Students will learn about Chinese arithmetic and the Abacus. Students will understand how numbers can be represented and how the abacus represents numbers. Students will learn addition and subtraction with the abacus. Present information on the development of the Abacus. Have students read the information page about the Abacus. Engage all students in the lesson by giving them short, manageable chunks of information and the opportunity for hands-on exploration throughout the lesson. Bring students into the use of an abacus by showing one and asking if they know what it is and what it was used for? In groups, have them describe it to each other. Then show them a calculator. Ask them if they know what it is and what it is used for? Have students realize that an abacus was an early kind of calculator, with no buttons or batteries?!

Materials: Abacus ( or overhead projector with a picture on one), abacus on paper, M & M's or buttons, calculator, computer, internet

Procedure: Provide a brief background about the abacus. Have students refer to the information page. Show students how to hold an abacus: lay it flat on a table. The middle bar goes from side to side and the rods with the beads go up and down. Show the students how it is used in counting: The bar in the middle is called the beam; only the beads pushed against the beam count. The beads above the beam are worth five. The beads below the beam are worth one. The rod furthest to the right is for ones; the one next to it is for tens. Divide students into groups. Provide students with several paper-printed abacus's Provide students with M&M's (or buttons) (Students may  eat the M&M's at the completion of the lesson!!!) Have students try to make an abacus out of the M&M's or buttons On your abacus, count to 4 How would you count six things when there are only four beads? (Here's how: push down one M&M from above the beam --then push up one M&M from below -- five and one -- that's six Can you count nine things? What would you do? Can you count 12 things? What would you do? Give other examples.  Subtracting is merely pushing the M&M's down Have students complete the addition and subtraction problems on the worksheets Extension: Have students use the internet to explore more about the Chinese abacus. Students we be able to work with an actual abacus online with The Virtual Abacus. A must see!! The Art of Calculating with Beads is another great site.

Evaluation:  Students participate in the hands-on activities Students will complete their paper abacus assignment

As of 12/31/01

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